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own. to withtake us when we moved out and started decorating trees of our coming, my siblings and I were able to create a vast collection of ornaments chocolates and mints, and an orange. Over the many years of Lucia Santa and carrot sticks for her donkey. Santa Lucia would leave ornament,an of reindeer, she rides a donkey. We would put out cookies and milk for her dren put a shoe outside their bedroom door for Lucia Santa to fill. Instead Ithat have introduced to my children. On the night of December 12 cookies for Lucia Santa which were always a staple in our house. Russian tea cakes, and chocolate cookieschip andwith without walnuts, every year tin the to pick out as we made holiday cookies, the same Strait, Mariah Carey and Bing Crosby. I remembercan rummaging through Brown Christmas. As we got older there were popular artists like George tain’s, The Bells of Dublin, the White Christmas soundtrack and A Charlie Rocky Mountain Holiday, Alvin and the Chipmunks’ Christmas, The Chief- Christmas she would add to the collection and tradition. ries came flooding back. Our holiday was centered around music, cookies, son’s “Go It onTell the Mountain.” At momentthat vivid holiday memo- Streisand’s rendition of “” in my head and then Mahalia Jack- weeks ago still and nothing was coming to me until I started singing Barbra orable came to me. Kate and Megan gave this assignment to me almost four tion. As I tobegan think back over the years nothing truly specific or mem- Share your story...a memorable Christmas, a surprise gift, or special celebra- small things that end up filling your heart fora lifetime. washe of how we’d matured over the last year. ter acknowledging the things my siblings and I accomplished or how proud the carrots, cookie and crumbs scattered. always a left long let- ing most of cookiesthe were eaten, milk was drank, bites were taken from out milk,with not forgetting carrot sticks for his reindeer. Christmas morn- always part of festivities.the were pot luck dinners but my mom’s lasagna and Christmas cookies were students from Indiana University who were away from home. Both parties parties; one for our farming community neighbors one for and my dad’s

Music and cookies were a main part of Christmas for us. We made My mom had a red Currier & Ives tin filled with cassette tapes. Every These are the memories Ithat cherish and thank my parents for, the We also made the obligatory cookies for Santa Claus and left them Cookies were made for our annual Christmas parties. We hosted two Wishing You HappyAll Holidays and a Happy New Year! –

spritz cookies, “snowball cookies,” more commonly known as

by Rachel Clemens, Senior Services Director Services Senior Clemens, Rachelby –

a tradition that my family had growing up and

–

John Denver and the Muppets,

Volume 4, Issue 4, Volume 8

December 2019December

th

chil-

Crest Lines ~Sharing our Christmas Memories~ Stafford Hall Kay Reilly Christmas Day 1944. I was in the Army Construc- We lived in a house in a valley with mountains tion Engineers. On we had moved behind. We always cut our own tree and looked from Verdun, France to join in the Battle of the forward to doing so. This pre-Christmas my hus- Bulge. On Christmas day it was snowing while I band and I saddled our horses and one each for dug my first fox hole. The snow would fall on my our two boys and our daughter (maybe 5 to 9 olive drab covered uniform and melt. The temper- years old) and rode up the mountain on our ature was about 28 degrees. We were now in Gen- quest. It had snowed the night before and there eral Patton’s 3rd Army. I wonder what lay ahead were no tracks in the snow other than ours. It was for me. We had replaced the 4th cavalry unit the beautiful with a crust of ice on top of the snow. day before. Now we were on the banks of the Mo- We cut down the tree of our choice and started selle river and on our own. The nearest town was down the mountain with the tree on the end of a Grevenmacher, Luxumbourg. lariat rope fastened to my husband’s saddle horn. We could see our house with smoke coming out Katie Schabarker of the chimney and the snow undisturbed other Every year on Christmas, my Grandpa George than our tracks. would give my sisters and me an envelope labeled Soon the tree slide down in front of the colt “From Santa” containing $100. He continued this he was riding. When the colt saw it passing him tradition all of our lives. He passed away in Febru- on its way down the hill, it scared him and he ary of 2017. That Christmas my family was gath- jumped about 20 feet in between jumps. When ered in the living room and my mom handed we got home our tree looked like Charlie Brown’s each of us an envelope labeled “From Santa” and . We went inside and had some told us it was our present from Grandpa George. hot chocolate and then went back up after anoth- My parents had decided to continue the tradition er. On the way up the snow showed a big hole with us as well as their grandbabies in order to every 20 feet where the horse jumped and inden- keep Grandpa’s memory alive. tations in various placed where the tree hit. I think of this every Christmas with fondness. Gene Quenemoen Corrine Fohrer One of my most memorable Christmas seasons My most memborable Christmas was when I was was in Ethiopia, 1966. My family included my 7 years old. My parents were British and the fami- wife, Marie, and four children, Julie 15, Kane 12, ly we spent Christmas with each year was also Jonie 10, and Lori 9. Upon our August arrival in British. Unbeknown to me, Mr. Schofield ar- Addis, Ababa, I went to a hospital with a severe ranged a big surprise for me. They had purchased intestinal infection; Julie moved to a missionary a piano, which I dearly loved for years and years. boarding school; and Marie and the younger chil- It still exists in the home of my daughter in the dren flew to Diredawa to enroll in school and set Florida Keys. Mr. Schofield was an organist at our up our new home. I followed a week later in time church. He spent many hours teaching me how to to meet my classes at Haile Salassie University. play. After a rough start, we all got together; Julie flew in from boarding school and we had a very memorable Christmas. We cut a tree, not a pine, and decorated it, exchanged gifts and were very thankful for our time together. Crest Lines Leslie Egloff Wow—am hard put to remember any one Christmas that was special. Each was special in its own way. I do miss the HUGE family gatherings with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. he was out of town. There were two of us going Later my husband Werner and I created our own into labor six weeks early so the hospital was pre- extended family. We had 10 grandkids, starting pared. The other woman in labor was my age and with the three kids we jointly created. Our first we met in the waiting room. I had one friend in Christmas without family happened in lower town who wanted to be at the birth, but she had Baja California/Mexico. We had our first RV in left town that day. One other person we knew which we camped out of on Tecolote Beach. Our took care of our older son. kids were adults starting their own families. It Things progressed and my new doctor said seemed strange but it was such fun to dig clams he was just going home for dinner and would be and go fishing. On Christmas mind you, that back. In his absence, our baby made his way into was special. the world ! The nurse scattered everything out of the way and another on-call doctor came in and Lorraine Deming caught him. We spent a 3 week Chrsitmas Holiday in Poipu, He weighed 4lbs 8oz. The other mom had Kauai, . My husband, son Greg, his wife her daughter an hour later and she weighed the Jen and their 10 year old daughter Kali. Much to same as our son. We didn’t bring him home for a my son’s dismay, I insisted on a live Christmas week because he had jaundice and Bozeman had tree, which we found at a K-mart parking lot temps far below zero for two weeks. It was –45 the sale. To save room, Greg hung the tree from the night he was born, Christmas Eve, and we named rafters. Kali and I decorated it with candy canes, him Nicholas. Best ever! which had melted during the night. That night we had a gigantic thunder and lightning storm Natalie Keim visible from 3 sides of the room. What a sight. My love for Christmas began 12/25/1990, the day What a glorious time we had touring bo- I was born. Since then, every Christmas season tanical gardens where Jurassic Park was filmed. has been memorable. I can think of something In lieu of gifts we shopped the local craft shows amazing that happened every year, but I’d have to and found lovely reminders of our fabulous say the most memorable thing for me is the time Christmas in Hawaii. spent with family. The traditions and crazy fun times we have together are what I love most and Barbara Mall I’m very excited to pass these shenanigans down My most memorable Christmas was in 1990 to my daughter, Harper. My favorites include dec- when our son was born on Christmas Eve. We orating the house like a mad man the day after were a new family here in Bozeman and when I Thanksgiving (I have four trees); my aunts and went into labor six weeks early it was a surprise. uncles taking me snowboarding, opening presents My water broke and my husband was Christmas with my cousins; cooking stew with my grandpa, shopping while I was at home with our almost my grandma’s very festive hat dance (it gets wild three year old. I had my husband paged at fast); and my mom’s mission of making Christ- JCPenney’s and we heard his name over the mas and my birthday two separate occasions on loud speaker. He was confused but gave up the same day. That’s why Christmas isn’t just a shopping and got us to the hospital. season, it’s a feeling of love and happiness with I had chosen my doctor because I knew the ones I care about the most. It’s my favorite he would be in town, but six weeks early meant time of year. Crest Lines

By Kate Evans

he hissing sound of falling Communist droop,” she recalls vividly. Until Bill found her T bombs could be heard in the distance as Sue three hours later, she laid on the floor unable Knox Benson, then just a baby, and her parents, to move, but faithfully surrounded by their Elizabeth and Lester Knox, were leaving China in two dogs and two cats. 1948 for the Philippines to continue their work Since then she has undergone hours as missionaries and teachers. She would live 16 with different therapists and has performed years on the Island of Panay while her father, an various exercises. “My best therapy sessions, I electrical engineer, was on the faculty at Philip- believe, were provided by my three young pines Christian University. He also helped with grandchildren who came to visit me often. the construction of new campus buildings. Her They inspired me; I had to get better for mother, a parasitologist, taught biology them,” she strongly emphasizes. From the classes. “I had an interesting youth beginning, Sue was determined to re- among brown skinned children. “I main positive about life and has tried wanted to be just like my friends, to live it the best way she can. “It not like the American kids whose has been a very slow process, tak- parents also worked at the univer- ing one baby step at a time. When sity. On my way to school I would my left leg came back, I became hide my shoes in the bushes so I more independent, however it would be barefoot in class as they took a year for me to walk were.” again.” Through it all, Bill was at The family, which later in- her side. He retired to be her cluded two more daughters and a main caregiver and supporter and son, moved to Bozeman in 1964 died October 27, 2017 at age 71. when Lester accepted a position in Sue says her life, the good teaching and research at Montana years and those that were not as State University. Following her grad- good and difficult, have influenced uation from Bozeman High School in her thinking about people. “I have en- 1967, Sue married Bill Benson, a sopho- joyed learning about others through my more at MSU, who later served 36 years in many travels all over the world.” Everyone the Montana National Guard and worked for Sue meets is a friend and she leaves to them Avis Car Rental in retirement. her amusing sense of humor and warm person- During a routine checkup at 31 years of ality. age the doctor found Sue’s aorta was three times At Hillcrest, she has found friends, espe- it’s normal size. She was rushed off to Houston, cially those early risers who come to the Fire- TX for a replacement. Always athletic and never side room at 7am for coffee. “This group has one to let the therapist get her down, she made a welcomed me and given me all kinds of help comeback and became an inspiration to her fam- and information for which I am most grateful.” ily and many others. Sue has two children, Lisa Benson Mar- Her life drastically changed when she suf- tin, who recently retired after 30 years in the fered a massive stroke just before her 50th birth- Army National Guard and lives in Bozeman. day. “I had good health until that sunny Moth- She served in the Desert Storm operation of the er’s Day morning when I actually was planning Gulf War. Her son, Heath, owns and operates my day. Then I experienced a pounding head- the only store in Nye, MT. Her four grandchil- ache; my left leg gave out; and my face started to dren are Ashley, Madi, Royce and Gracie. December 2019 Remove and keep as daily reference.

Chaplains delivering October services at 10:00am in the AP chapel are as follows: Jo Schwaller 12/1 Jan Peace 12/7 December 1 Chaplain Allen Jones Gene Quenemoen 12/7 December 8 Chaplain Timothy Spring Newt Michaelsen 12/8 December 15 Chaplain Katie Michael Barbara Taylor 12/10 December 22 Chaplain Sandy Osborne Doris Atchison 12/12 December 29 Chaplain Amy Strader Claire Driscoll 12/12

Catholic Mass & Communion at 2pm the 1st Wednesday Clara Hodges 12/20 of each month in the AP Chapel led by Father Leo Proxell Sherry Entwistle 12/21 of Holy Rosary. The following Wednesday’s are prayer Jan Wood 12/23 and communion. Lillian Kessler 12/25 Lutheran Communion at 3pm the 3rd Wednesday of Shirley Dealy 12/28 each month in the AP Chapel. Bible Circle at 9:30am on Thursdays in the ARC Room. Spiritual Care 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 11:30am- 1:30pm and 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 2-4pm.

Meal Schedule for December 22—25: The main meal will be served during two mid-day seat- ings. There will be a light meal in the evening. In place of an evening meal at Aspen Pointe on December 25, sack lunches will be available for pick up at 5pm outside the dining room. Birchwood’s evening meal will continue as normal. Meal Schedule for December 29-January 1: The main meal will be served during two mid-day seatings and champagne will be available to toast the new year. In place of an evening meal at Aspen Pointe, sack lunches will be available for pick up at 5pm outside the dining room. Birchwood’s evening meal will continue as normal. Meal Schedule on New Year’s Day: The main meal will be served during two mid-day seatings. There will be a light meal in the evening.  Food Bank Donations: It has been a Hillcrest tradition to give donations to the Gallatin Val- ley Food Bank each December. A sleigh will be placed in the AP Commons for your con- venience. Thank you for helping our community.

Aspen Pointe Sun Mon Tue Wed 1 2 3 4 10:00am Worship Service 10:00am Chair Ex. in AP Commons 9:30am Yoga in LC 9:30am Shopping at Co in AP Chapel 1-3:00pm Art Group BW Act Rm 10:30-11:30am Trip to Hospital Gift Shop 10:00am Chair Ex. in AP Commons 1:30pm Timely Topics 10-11:30am Open Wii Bowling Commons 11:30am-1:30pm Spiritual Care 3:30pm Piano Recital in 3:00pm Bingo & Cocktails in BW 10:30am Tai Chi in ARC 1-2:30pm AP Art Class in ARC Commons Act Rm 1:30pm Bus to Walmart 1:30pm Book Club 3rd Flr A 2:30pm Stretching in BW Act Rm Lounge 2:30pm AP Movie in ARC 3:30pm Great Courses in Commons 2:30-3:30pm Boz Public Bookmobile 6:30pm Bridge in FSR 4:30-5pm Suzuki Violin Recital in Commons 6:30pm Bingo in ARC

8 9 10 11 10:00am Worship Service 10:00am Chair Ex. in AP Commons 8:45am Gift Wrapping at Dahl Chapel 9:30am Shopping at Heeb’s in AP Chapel 1-3:00pm Art Group BW Act Rm 9:30am Yoga in LC 10:00am Chair Ex. in AP Commons 1:30pm Timely Topics 10-11:30am Open Wii Bowling Commons NO SPIRITUAL CARE 3:30pm Piano Recital in 3:00pm Bingo & Cocktails in BW 10:30am Tai Chi in ARC 12-4:00pm Holiday Boutique in FSR Commons Act Rm 1:30pm Bus to Walmart NO ART CLASS 3-4:00pm Pup Play Date in ARC 2:30pm Stretching in BW Act Rm NO CATHOLIC COMMUINION 2:30pm AP Movie in ARC 3:30pm Great Courses in Commons 3:00pm Annual Christmas Stroll 6:30pm Bridge in FSR 6:30pm Bingo in ARC

15 16 17 9-10am First Security Bank 18 9:30am Shopping at Town & 10:00am Worship Service 9:30am Yoga in LC Country in AP Chapel 10:00am Chair Ex. in AP Commons 10-11:30am Open Wii Bowling Commons 10:00am Chair Ex. in AP Commons 1-3:00pm Art Group BW Act Rm 10:30am Tai Chi in ARC 1-2:30pm Sculpting with Amanda in 1:45pm Bozeman Sym- 1:30pm Timely Topics 1:30pm Bus to Walmart ARC phony at Wilson NO BINGO & COCKTAILS TODAY 2:30pm Stretching in BW Act Rm 2:00pm Catholic Prayer & Comm in 3:30pm Resident Christmas Party in 3:30pm Geriactors in Commons Chapel 2:30pm AP Movie in ARC Commons NO GREAT COURSES 2:30-3:30pm Boz Public Bookmobile 7:45pm Pilgrim Church Carolers in 6:30pm Bridge in FSR 3:00pm Lutheran Comm in Chapel 4-5:00pm Piano Recital in Commons 2-4pm Spiritual Care Commons 6:30pm Bingo in ARC

22 23 24 10:00am Worship Service 10:00am Chair Ex. in AP Commons NO YOGA in AP Chapel 1-3:00pm Art Group BW Act Rm 10-11:30am Open Wii Bowling Commons 1:30pm Timely Topics NO TAI CHI NO AP MOVIE 3:00pm Bingo & Cocktails in BW 1:30pm Bus to Walmart Act Rm 2:30pm Stretching in BW Act Rm 3:30pm Wine & Cheese in Commons 3:30pm Piano Recital in 3-4:00pm Pup Play Date in ARC NO GREAT COURSES Commons 4:00pm Christmas Eve Service in Commons NO BUS SERVICE 6:00pm Christmas Movie in Commons 7:45pm Concert & 6:30pm Bridge in FSR Menorah Lighting in Commons 25 ~Merry

29 30 31 10:00am Worship Service 10:00am Chair Ex. in AP Commons 9:30am Yoga in LC in AP Chapel 1-3:00pm Art Group BW Act Rm 10-11:30am Open Wii Bowling Commons 1:30pm Timely Topics 10:30am Tai Chi in ARC 2:30pm AP Movie in 3:00pm Bingo & Cocktails in BW 1:30pm Bus to Walmart Commons Act Rm 2:30pm Stretching in BW Act Rm 3:30pm Great Courses in Commons December 2019 6:30pm Bridge in FSR

Wed Thu Fri Sat 5 Podiatry Clinic 6 7 9:30am Shopping at Co-Op 9:30am AP Nail Care 3rd Flr A-Wing 9:00am Yoga 2 in LC 1-3:00pm Station Ro- 10:00am Chair Ex. in AP Commons Lounge 10:00am Chair Ex. in AP Commons tations in FSR 1:30pm Spiritual Care 9:30am Yoga in LC 11am-2:30pm Resident Council Elec- 2:30pm AP Art Class in ARC 9:30m Bible Circle in ARC Room tion in the Library 2:00pm BW Movie 1:30pm Book Club 3rd Flr A-Wing 10:30-11:30am Bank of Bozeman 1:30pm Cribbage in FSR in Act Rm 1:30pm Shopping Bus to Mall 1:30pm Catholic Prayer & 3:30pm Boz Public Bookmobile 2:00pm Tree Decorating in Commons Comm in Chapel 5pm Suzuki Violin Recital in 3:15pm Yoga 2 in LC 6:30pm Pinochle in FSR 3:00pm Knit & Stitch AP Commons 6:30pm Bingo in ARC NO BEER:30 7:45pm Bridger Mountain Harmony in Commons

12 9:30am AP Nail Care 3rd Flr A- 13 14 9:30am Shopping at Heeb’s Wing Lounge 9:00am Yoga 2 in LC 10:00am Chair Ex. in AP Commons 9:30am Yoga in LC 10:00am Chair Ex. in AP Commons 1-3:00pm Station Ro- NO SPIRITUAL CARE 9:30am Bible Circle in ARC Room 11:30am Friday Forum at Library tations in FSR 4:00pm Holiday Boutique in FSR 10:30am AP Resident Council in ARC 1:30pm Cribbage in FSR NO ART CLASS 10:30-11:30am Bank of Bozeman 1:30pm Catholic Prayer & 2:00pm BW Movie NO CATHOLIC COMMUINION 1:30pm Shopping Bus to 19th Comm in Chapel in Act Rm 3:00pm Annual Christmas Stroll 3:15pm Yoga 2 in LC 6:30pm Pinochle in FSR 6:30pm Bingo in ARC 3:00pm Knit & Stitch AP Fireside 7:30pm in a Nutshell in 6:30pm Bridge in FSR 3:30-4:30pm Beer:30 in FSR Commons 7:45pm Betsy & Johnny in Commons

9:30am Shopping at Town & 19 9:30am AP Nail Care 3rd Flr A- 20 21 10:00am News Wing Lounge 9:00am Yoga 2 in LC & Notes Reading in 10:00am Chair Ex. in AP Commons 9:30am Yoga in LC 10:00am Chair Ex. in AP Commons BW NS1 2:30pm Sculpting with Amanda in 9:30am Bible Circle in ARC Room 1:30pm Cribbage in FSR 10:30-11:30am Bank of Bozeman 1:30pm Catholic Prayer & 1-3:00pm Station Ro- 2:00pm Catholic Prayer & Comm in 1:30pm Shopping Bus to the Mall Comm in Chapel tations in FSR 3:15pm Yoga 2 in LC 2:00pm Christmas Party with Staff 3:30pm Boz Public Bookmobile 3:00pm Knit & Stitch AP Fireside in Commons NO BW MOVIE 3:00pm Lutheran Comm in Chapel 3:30-4:30pm Beer:30 in FSR 4:00pm Service in 4pm Spiritual Care 6:30pm Drive Commons 2:00pm Sally & Steve 6:30pm Bingo in ARC 6:30pm Pinochle in FSR O’Neill in Commons

26 NO AP NAIL CARE 27 28 NO YOGA 1 OR 2 NO YOGA 1-3:00pm Station Ro- 9:30am Bible Circle in ARC Room 10:00am Chair Ex. in AP Commons tations in FSR 10:30-11:30am Bank of Bozeman 1:30pm Cribbage in FSR 1:30pm Shopping Bus to 19th 1:30pm Catholic Prayer & 2:00pm BW Movie 3:30pm Wine & Cheese in Commons 3:15pm Yoga 2 in LC Comm in Chapel in Act Rm 3:00pm Knit & Stitch AP Fireside 6:30pm Pinochle in FSR NO BUS SERVICE 3:30-4:30pm Beer:30 in FSR 6:30pm Bridge in FSR

Birthday Night rry Christmas~ Abbreviations: BW: Birchwood Remove AP: Aspen Pointe FSR: Fireside Room and keep LC: Learning Center as daily December 2019 ARC: Act/Rec/Crafts Center reference. BW Act: BW Activity Room Aspen Pointe BW DR: BW Dining Room BW NS 1 or 2: Nurses Station 12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22 Piano Recitals: Children Rossini and later transformed into La boutique fan- of all ages will be here to play for residents and tasque (The Fantastic Toy Shop) by Ottorino their families in the AP Commons. Respighi. Elizabeth Croy, Melina Pyron and the 12/3 Hospital Gift Shop Trip: Let’s head down to Symphonic Choir join the orchestra presenting An- the gift shop to do some holiday shopping. The tonio Vivaldi’s Gloria. The bus will leave AP at bus will leave AP at 10:30am and return at 1:45pm. Please sign up at the front desk. 11:30am. Please sign up at the front desk. 12/16 Resident Christmas Party: Enjoy a festive 12/4 Suzuki Violin Recital: Children will be in the gathering with appetizers, hot buttered rum, and Commons to perform their winter recital. egg nog. 12/5 Podiatry Clinic: Dr. Clark will be in the A- 12/16 Pilgrim Church Carolers: Congregation Wing Clinic (basement floor). Please sign up at members of Pilgrim church will be in the Com- the front desk. mons to sing and bring us holiday cheer! 12/5 Tree Decorating: Staff and residents will dec- 12/17 Geriactors: This Readers Theatre group com- orate the Christmas tree in the Commons. Treats prised of senior citizens is the only one in Mon- and eggnog will be served. tana. They will be here to perform a comedic 12/5 Bridger Mountain Harmony: This a cappella Christmas skit in the Commons. chorus is a chapter of the Sweet Adelines Interna- 12/18 Sculpting w/Amanda: Amanda Markel will be tional and brings joy to all of Gallatin Valley. You back for a second sculpting class. Meet her and Jes- won’t want to miss it! sica in the ARC for more fun with clay. 12/6 Resident Council Election: The election will 12/19 Christmas Lights Drive: Let’s take a trip be held on December 6th from 11-2:30pm in the around Bozeman to see all of the beautiful Christ- library. Early voting will be available at 8am the mas lights. The bus will leave AP at 6:30pm and re- morning of the 6th at the front desk. More infor- turn around 7:30pm. Please sign up at the front mation will be provided in your cubby. desk. 12/10 Gift Wrapping at Dahl Chapel: Join Megan 12/20 Holiday Party with Hillcrest Staff:: This is a and help “Be a Santa to a Senior.” Every year fun gathering for staff to thank residents for their Home Instead Senior Care receives donations for generous gratuity gifts. senior citizens in need in our community and has 12/20 Blue Christmas Service: This service marks a a huge wrapping party before the gifts can be dis- day in which is the longest day of the year tributed. The bus will leave AP at 8:45am and re- and honors loved ones who have passed. turn around 11:30am. Please sign up at the front 12/21 News & Notes: Chaplain Allen Jones will be desk. in the BW Nurses Station 1 to read about current 12/11 Annual Christmas Stroll and Boutique: Join news, poetry and books. in the hustle and bustle of this merry gathering of 12/21 Sally & Steve O’Neill: Sally and Steve O’Neill Christmas music, holiday shopping, and festive have enjoyed playing music together for over 30 refreshments. Watch your cubby for more infor- years. From contra and square dance music to mation. swing, Cajun and more. In addition, they welcome 12/12 Resident Council: All residents are welcome special guest harmonica player Wes Horner of As- to join the council members in the ARC to hear pen Pointe (Sally’s father) who plays a mean blues what’s going on at Hillcrest, voice issues, com- harp and sings some great old cowboy songs. ments or concerns. 12/22 Menorah Lighting & Concert: Join us for a 12/12 Betsy & Johnny: This duo is sure to enter- menorah lighting for the first night of Hanukkah tain you with their guitars, rhythm and blues. led by Mark Kula of Congregation Beth Shalom and 11/8 Friday Forum: This months subject is HRDC- award-winning signer/songwriter and Cantorial So- Investing in our Community. The bus leaves AP at loist Amber Ikeman. All faiths are welcome! 11:30am and returns at 1:45pm. Please sign up at 12/24 Christmas Eve Service: This special Christ- the front desk. mas service will be led by Chaplain Allen Jones in 12/13 Nutcracker in a Nutshell: The Dance Center the Commons. will be here for their dress rehearsal of an abridged 12/24 Christmas Movie: We will watch Miracle on version of the beloved Nutcracker ballet. 34th Street in the Commons at 6pm. Popcorn and 12/15 Bozeman Symphony: This concert features refreshments will be served. special music fit for the season such as the magical 12/25 Wine & Cheese: A Wine & Cheese social scenes incorporated from the music of Gioacchino gathering will be served in the Commons. Crest Lines Christmas Memories continued... Shared Memory from Helen Tess Lois Ringo and her son Mike My most memorable Christmas Eve was in De- cember 1960. I was in the hospital after giving For as long as I can remember, we have always birth to my youngest child on December 23rd. had aebleskivers for Christmas Eve. It is a Danish After visiting hours were over for the day, the pastry fried in a special cast iron skillet. They are hospital turned quiet. The lights were dimmed round and taste a little bit like pancakes filled and Chritmas hymns were played throughout the with cooked fruit. Our family tradition was to fill halls, creating a peaceful and serence Christmas them with sweetened prunes then dip them into Eve, something I will always remember. powdered sugar. Grandma Tess, (Helen’s mother However, my due date wasn’t until January in law) started our tradition. She would cook and Christmas at our house wasn’t quite ready. aebleskivers all day before the family gathered at My husband had to go home and deal with put- her house in the evening. My mother, Helen, kept ting Christmas together for our other five chil- up the tradition and passed it on to her children. dren. I had hidden the presents around the house Now the grandchildren cook aebleskivers. Mom and to this day, I’m not sure how he found all of still helps cook them today. them. While I was enjoying a quiet Christmas Eve, he was experiencing just the opposite-chaos. That’s just the way life is. Gaylene Kerr Cold December nights. I was always a little angel standing on the hill waiting for the Angel of the Lord to appear to the shepherds watching their flocks. But let’s back up. My church always had an outdoor performance of the Christmas Story. Our pastor made a sound track with music and the reading of the Christmas Story. When he read, “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the Kathy, Helen and Mike Tess cooking town of David, because he belonged to the house aebleskivers Christmas Eve 2018. and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, a spot light shone on a man leading a don- key upon which a young woman was sitting.” Bill Bryant With the reading about the shepherds keeping The one holiday season that stands out and is watch over their flocks by night there were people most memorable to me came a few months before on the hillside next to our church who lit a bon- Christmas. When I returned home in 1945 from fire and eyes were drawn to the shepherds. A spot the Philippines and found my four other brothers light turned on the angels on the hillside. It made also home and alive from serving in the military, I the Christmas story so real to me as a child. And was elated. Edgar lost his leg in Guadacanal; Ed so it was with the wisemen. They all ended up at was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge; Ralph the stable where the baby (a doll) was in the served on a landing craft in the Pacific; and Gene manger surrounded by sheep and cows. But, I flew B-51 planes in China. My mother and father suppose, it was the hot chocolate and pizza that at last had their five sons all home together again. we had after the performance that was the most fun.

Crest Lines Katie Schabarker Not only did Katie Schabarker play volleyball and cheer lead while a student at Ennis High School, she was a manager for the Meet Maddi and Katie Mustangs football team in her senior year. Here are the stories of two childhood friends “During the games I had who are graduates of the same high school, to follow the various who played the same sports there, and who plays and record the sta- are soon to be housemates. They are now tistics of each on an working together as servers in the Aspen ipad,” she relates. “It was Pointe dining room. tricky at first, but I quick- ly started understanding the game and it became a Maddison Hayes breeze.” Maddison Hayes, who we know as Maddi, could In high school art be described as “little but mighty.” Not even five classes she did pastel oils foot in height, she lifts weights (squats 200 and pencil drawings, pounds) and at Ennis High School was on the vol- something she still enjoys leyball team. “I was never up front at the nets; I doing. “I like creating an- was always in the back and the shortest player,” imals; I recently complet- she says smiling. ed an owl in pencil which I ended up getting Besides her job as an Aspen Pointe server, transferred into a tattoo in honor of my grandfa- Maddi has been a CNA (certified nursing assis- ther. Upon graduation in 2015, she attended MSU tant) for several months at Madison Valley Man- for a semester in its fish and wildlife program. or; this experience, she believes, will help her However, before continuing with these studies achieve a career in nursing. In fall 2020 she will she felt she needed a break to be sure this was the enter MSU, taking the general studies classes re- path she wanted to pursue. Now after working for quired for acceptance in the nursing program. several years as a caregiver at Pathways, an assist- Presently she is excited about becoming a ed living facility in Three Forks, she is considering homeowner. Because of a gift from a grandfather, a return to college to study in a health related she was able to purchase a modular home in west field. Bozeman and in February will be sharing it with Katie has experienced various health issues. Katie Schabarker, a longtime friend and also a When she was ten she ran into a tree and de- server in Aspen Pointe. “I know little about home tached the retina of her left eye which was the maintenance, but I will figure it out,” she states start of some vision problems as she grew older, with confidence. “I am very fortunate because so much so that as a 13 year old teenager she had buying is cheaper than renting.” eye surgery performed in Seattle. This past June Maddi grew up in Salt Lake City with an she had surgery in Salt Lake City to reposition her older brother, Travis, and a younger sister, Eliese, left hip socket. until the eighth grade when she moved to Ennis, Born in Ennis in 1997 to Helen and Gayle where she had spent many fun summers. At Ennis Schabarker, she grew up with four older siblings. High School she also was on the cheerleading “We were an outdoorsy family that loved fishing, squad and a member of its 2014 graduation class. hunting and beautiful Montana. Because I miss so Even so, she is still asked if she is a high school much my only remaining grandparent, Carole student. “I was born on October 31, 1995 but be- Brown who lives in Federal Way, WA, I really en- cause I am so short people assume I am a teen.” joy interacting with residents of Aspen Pointe,” she stresses with enthusiasm. Crest Lines

much desired piano. I wanted and deserved a pi- Christmas Memories ano because I was well behaved and straight A’s. Many of my school classmates were very wealthy. continued... I was invited to their birthday parties and other gatherings, but I could not tell the difference be- Maria Vazquez de Spitler tween their station in life and mine. So with pain By the late 1940s and early 1950s, when I was old in her heart, my mom had to explain who actual- enough to believe in magic, Santa Claus had not ly provided the gifts and swore me to secrecy. I yet arrived in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican children kept the secret and felt quite grown up for know- did not receive gifts on Christmas Eve. Instead, ing something my friends did not. their gift traditions brought to Puerto Rico were from Spain and a little different. Cathy Gurzi The Christmas season in Puerto Rico is the It was Christmas Eve and we were all ready and longest in existence, beginning in Advent (forty waiting for Santa’s visit: my husband, our son, days before Christmas) celebrated by daily early daughter-in-law and three young ones dressed in Mass (“” or the Mass of the Cock their jammies. They were so anxious about his who crows as soon as the sun rises) in the Catho- arrival that they did not want to go to bed. Their lic churches and followed by “Asaltos” where dad sensed the problem and very suddenly left friends would arrive at your home playing Christ- the room. Soon from up above we heard noises. A mas music and expecting to be received with food racket! Santa was finally here; he was on the and drinks. The season ends in late January. roof! Quickly three little bodies were on their feet The gifts for children arrived on the Epiph- and off to bed. any (the 12th Day of Christmas) on January 6th. This is followed by the feast of the Three Marys Megan Reichert and then by the “Octavitas.” Children were in- Christmas for my family meant gathering at structed to fill shoe boxes with fresh cut grass for Great-Grandma Siegle’s house on Christmas Eve. the camels belonging to the Wise Men from the Four generations under one roof, eating, laugh- east who brought gifts to the Christ Child and ing, playing cards and just enjoying each other. would bring gifts to the good boys and girls on There were no cell phones, no TV, just the chatter the island. In the box with the grass they were to of people happy to be together and celebrating include a letter to Gaspar, Melchor and Baltazar, the season. After meeting at my grandma’s house, extolling their good deeds and asking for specific we would load up in several vehicles and head to gifts. The boxes were then placed under their Zion Lutheran Church for the candle light ser- beds. The Wise Men would feed the grass to the vice. During the service, my brother, cousins and camels, read the letters and leave unwrapped gifts I would join our Sunday school classes and per- under the beds. form a special Christmas program. I remember Family friends would ask me to place boxes practicing for months and getting fitted for spark- of grass under their beds so I could receive even ly costumes that several of the church ladies more gifts. I began collecting boxes early in the would sew. Standing in front of the whole con- year so I would have enough to place under nu- gregation with the church all decorated and can- merous beds in the neighborhood. dles glowing, singing “Oh Holy Night” is one of My family was poor, but my mom man- my fondest childhood memories of Christmas. aged to send me to private Catholic schools. She was an accomplished seamstress and made me a new dress every week so I could attend Mass look- ing my best. I did not know we were poor until my eighth year. The year before, one of my class- mates, with poor grades and conduct, received a Crest Lines Christmas continued... Bob Yaw ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES—JOHN ODDEN Christmas 1944 was most memorable, but not Please note, if you dial 911 for emergency services happy. I arrived at a B25 Squadron in southeast you have the right to refuse transport by the am- India that October. By mid December, I had flown bulance for a non-emergent need. A family mem- about 15 of the 75 combat missions I would com- ber or friend could transport you and there is no plete over the next seven months. The week be- cost to you. The ambulance company will only fore Christmas, mail for November caught up with charge you if you actually ride the ambulance to me with much news from family and friends. A the hospital. note from my fiancé was significant. “Bob, I spent ENGINEERING—RICH HAGSTROM the summer in Seattle and have met a fellow in If you have a natural Christmas , garland the Navy and we are making plans for the future. or tree in your apartment, please put in a work Enclosed is a check for your share of the money order at the front desk to have it sprayed with fire we have spent on the sterling silver set we were retardant. buying for a future that can not now be.” Time changes things. When I returned to MARKETING—LIINDA JO Colorado in March of 1946, old times and memo- Over the years when new residents have chosen ries were renewed and Margaret and I were mar- to make Hillcrest their new home, many of our ried in August. The marriage lasted 69 years. existing residents have volunteered to welcome them and help them feel more comfortable. This Kay DeMeritt greatly enhances their experience. Beginning in When I was a little girl we lived on a farm and 2020, we would like to start a formal committee money was tight. Shopping trips to town were few to help facilitate these transitions. Kay Reilly has and always exciting. On one trip I found a book I agreed to be the resident council representative really really wanted and it was about a black cat. for this “Welcoming Committee.” If you are inter- I’m sure I begged and begged, but shopping was ested in being on this committee please contact for necessities, not toys and books, so I had to go Linda Jo in the Marketing office 414-2008. home disappointed. The next Christmas morning, ADMINISTRATION—RACHEL CLEMENS my sister and I ran downstairs and the first thing I If you would like to contribute, there are two saw was the book about the black cat. I’ve received Christmas gratuity boxes located at the Aspen many wonderful Christmas gifts since, but the Pointe front desk and in the Birchwood Main black cat book will remain the most special. Lounge. This is a completely voluntary donation that is given to Hillcrest employees as a Christmas Mary Doubek bonus. Please do so by the end of the day on De- When I was three years old I remember coming cember 13. The employees are incredibly grateful down the hall and entering the living room and for your generous giving each year. Thank you! finding it covered with many gifts all wrapped beautifully. I opened packages with my family and had 25 dresses. Wow! The tree was decorated with CAN THE GRIZ!! lots of beautiful lights and . Originally in the 1600’s the tinsel was made For the win, the Bobcats donated a total of 437, of strands of silver. Later, lead was discovered in 265 in pounds and monetary donations compared the tinsel used in the early 1900’s and it was to the Griz’s 421,859. Thanks to Hillcrest staff and banned in 1972. residents who donated.